Investigative journalism once used to occupy the centrestage in media but has now been replaced by "inventive journalism" and is driven by "commercial interest", Railway Minister Pawan Kumar Bansal said here today.
Addressing a function organized to give away the 'Man Of The Year Award 2012' by 'The Week' magazine, he said the meaning of journalism has changed over the years and while informing people, it is also moulding their thoughts.
"What we find today is that in place of investigative journalism, which used to occupy the centrestage of our activities, it is inventive journalism. Now it is moving from a purely professional activity to a commercial interest," Bansal said.
Bansal presented the 'Man of the Year Award' to social activist and Gandhian Dharampal Saini who has been instrumental in opening 37 schools in Bastar district of Chhattisgarh and for his pioneering work in education of girl child in the state.
A follower of Vinoba Bhave, Saini, a commerce graduate, started the Mata Rukmini Sewa Sansthan in Bastar in 1976.
"I am fortunate to have been guided by Vinoba Bhave who taught me to follow the Gandhian way of life and work for the downtrodden in the country," he said.
Saini advised the people to work with "patience" with those who are deprived of the nation's development.
"I must say that I have never been disappointed by the girls and boys in Bastar. I just had to be patient and work with perseverance," he said.
Appaluding "The Week" for starting the award 30 years ago, Bansal said "normally, we are cynical about awards. The awards, which are given by government agencies and the government, are the product of more of marketing than merit. It's different here and I compliment the entire team of The Week.
